The Ashland University men's basketball team ran into a hot-shooting Northern Michigan team on Thursday (Jan. 2) night as the Eagles fell to the Wildcats, 74-61, in Marquette.
The Wildcats (5-7, 2-2 GLIAC) sank 10 3-pointers in the first half alone and finished 14-for-31 (45.2 percent) from long distance on the night. The Wildcats made just three 2-point baskets in the opening half and led 36-29 at the break.
The Eagles (7-5, 0-4 GLIAC) cut the margin to as little as one in the second half, 38-37, after a couple free throws by junior Aaron Thompson with 16 minutes left, but the Wildcats scored the next five points, including a 3-pointer by Alec Fruin, to take a 43-37 lead.
The margin never got within one possession after that as Northern Michigan held the Eagles to just 10 baskets in each half. Ashland shot 38 percent (20-for-53) overall.
Senior guard Rodrick Caldwell scored a game-high 21 points to go with five rebounds and two blocks. He knocked down four 3-pointers. Thompson scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half and was 6-for-10 from the field.
The teams were even on the glass at 32, but NMU shot 49 percent (27-for-55) from the field.
Sam Taylor led the Wildcats with 18 points and seven assists while Marcus Matelski was 5-for-10 from 3-point range to finish with 17 points.
The Eagles will look to regroup on their off day tomorrow as they head to Michigan Tech for a 3 p.m. Saturday tip-off.
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